What Is the Best Flooring for a Bathroom?

Your bathroom is where you start the day and wind down at the end of it. It should feel like a retreat, not a room you worry about. The floor has a big part to play, so it needs to look beautiful, feel good under bare feet and cope with water every single day. Here is how the main options compare.

The short answer

For most bathrooms, waterproof luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is the best flooring. It is fully water resistant, warm and comfortable underfoot, quiet, and comes in convincing wood and stone effect designs. It also works with underfloor heating, which makes a bathroom feel far more inviting.

Porcelain tile is a close second where you want a classic, long lasting finish. The right choice depends on your space, your budget and the look you are after, so here is how each option performs.

1. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or SPC: our top pick

Modern LVT and SPC has a rigid, waterproof construction and a realistic printed surface. That combination makes it ideal for wet rooms and family bathrooms.

Pros:

• Waterproof, so it can cope with splashes, steam and the occasional overflowing bath
• Warmer and softer underfoot than tile
• Available in wood, stone and concrete effects
• Quiet and comfortable to stand on
• Suitable for use with underfloor heating
• Simple to clean, with no grout to scrub in most click systems

Cons:

• Synthetic, so it lacks the depth and character of real timber or stone
• Cannot be sanded or refinished if damaged

Best for: family bathrooms, en suites and anyone who wants a practical floor that still looks good.

2. Porcelain and ceramic tile

Tile is the traditional bathroom choice for good reason. It is waterproof, tough and long lasting, and the range of colours, sizes and finishes is enormous.

Pros:

• Completely waterproof
• Very durable and easy to wipe clean
• Excellent with underfloor heating, which heats up and holds warmth well

Cons:

• Cold and hard underfoot without heating
• Can be slippery when wet, so look for a slip resistant finish
• Grout lines need regular cleaning and resealing
• Installation is more involved and usually costs more

Best for: wet rooms, walk in showers and anyone after a timeless, hard wearing finish.

3. Vinyl sheet flooring

Vinyl sheet comes in one continuous piece, so there are very few seams for water to find. It is soft, warm and one of the most budget friendly options.

Best for: smaller bathrooms, rentals and tighter budgets.

4. Water resistant laminate

Standard laminate can swell if water gets into the joints, so it is not ideal in a bathroom. Some water resistant ranges are designed to cope better with moisture, but they still need splashes wiped up promptly. Check the manufacturer's guidance before you commit.

Best for: a downstairs cloakroom or a bathroom that sees light use, where you want a wood look on a budget.

5. Wood flooring

We love wood, but we are honest about where it works. Solid wood and engineered wood are not recommended for family bathrooms, en suites or wet rooms, where moisture and standing water are a constant. Over time that can cause swelling, cupping and staining.

A downstairs cloakroom or guest WC with no bath or shower is a different story. With a good finish and sensible care, engineered wood can work well in a room that stays mostly dry. If you want the look of wood in a wet space, a wood effect LVT is the safer route.

Best for: dry cloakrooms and powder rooms only.

Quick comparison

Water resistance: Tile and waterproof LVT lead. Vinyl sheet is also very good. Wood is not suited to wet bathrooms.
Warmth underfoot: LVT and vinyl are warmest. Tile needs underfloor heating to feel comfortable.
Safety: Choose a slip resistant rating for tile and look for textured finishes on LVT.
Look and feel: Real wood and natural stone look the richest, but wood effect LVT comes very close.
Budget: Vinyl sheet and laminate are generally the most affordable. LVT sits in the middle. Tile costs the most once installation is included.

How to look after a bathroom floor

A little routine care goes a long way:

• Wipe up puddles and wet footprints promptly
• Use a bath mat that dries out properly rather than one that traps moisture
• Keep the room ventilated with an extractor fan or an open window
• Clean with a gentle, pH neutral cleaner suited to your floor type
• Avoid harsh abrasives and steam mops on LVT and wood
• Check seals around the bath, shower and sink and repair them when they wear

Planning your bathroom floor

Before you buy, it is worth thinking about a few practical points. Check the room is level and dry, because a good subfloor makes a big difference to the final result. Consider underfloor heating, which suits both tile and LVT and makes a bathroom feel far more luxurious. Measure carefully and order a little extra to allow for cuts and waste. If you are not sure about installation, a professional fitter will make sure the edges and joins are properly sealed.

Our verdict

If you want a bathroom floor that is practical, warm and stylish, waterproof LVT is the best all round choice. Porcelain tile is a superb alternative for wet rooms and showers, and vinyl sheet suits tighter budgets. If you love the look of wood, a wood effect LVT gives you the style without the risk.

Frequently asked questions

Can you put wood flooring in a bathroom?
We do not recommend solid or engineered wood in bathrooms with a bath or shower, because of the constant moisture. A dry cloakroom is a better fit. For a wood look in a wet room, choose a wood effect waterproof LVT.

Is LVT really waterproof?
Quality LVT with a rigid core and a waterproof wear layer is designed to cope with water on the surface. For wet rooms, make sure the product is rated for wet areas and follow the fitting guidance so the edges are properly sealed.

Can I use underfloor heating in a bathroom?
Yes. Tile and LVT both work well with underfloor heating. Always check the manufacturer's guidance for your chosen product and the maximum surface temperature.

What is the best bathroom flooring for safety?
Look for a slip resistance rating on tile and a textured surface on LVT, particularly around the bath and shower.

What is the cheapest waterproof bathroom flooring?
Vinyl sheet is usually the most budget friendly waterproof option, followed by LVT.

Ready to choose your bathroom floor?

Browse our full range of waterproof LVT online, or visit your nearest Wooden Floor Store showroom to see and feel the floors in person. Our team is on hand to help you find the right floor for your space and budget.